Commissioner of Education William L. Librera, joined in Trenton today
by Department of Education (DOE) officials and a host of schools statewide,
officially launched the 12th Grade Option Pilot Program, an
initiative that allows students in their senior years the flexibility
to further enhance their education after completing the high school graduation
requirements.

"The senior-year program is essential to both the McGreevey Administrations
and Departments commitment to providing multiple paths to success
for our children  the most important part of our mission,"
Commissioner Librera said. "Through this program, schools throughout
the state will provide their students with myriad chances to further their
education as they close the book on their K-12 careers and embark on promising
futures."

The basic premise of the 12th Grade Option Pilot Program
is for students to increase their options and make their senior years
as productive, challenging, and beneficial as they can, Librera said.
The program allows seniors to get the most out of their last year and
to begin preparing for a college education or a career following graduation.

Commissioner Librera was joined this afternoon at the State Museum by
keynote speaker Harold Levy, former Chancellor of New York City Schools,
and representatives from many of the more than 85 high schools participating
in the project. The kick-off event, from 1 to 3 p.m. included a panel
discussion on senior-year options.

Participating in the panel were Richard Ten Eyck, DOE Assistant Commissioner
for Educational Programs and Assessment; Peter Contini, president of Salem
Community College; Fred DAntoni, principal of Bordentown High School;
Ann Dudley, principal of Phillipsburg High School; Don Neal, a teacher
at Franklin Township High School; and Orvyl Wilson, principal of Franklin
Township High School.

Schools joining the program have until Friday, May 30 to file their senior-year
initiatives with the regional offices of the Department of Education.
A final list of participants will be established by early summer. The
pilot project should be implemented in such schools in time for the 2003-2004
school year.

The pilot program encourages high school seniors who have finished all
graduation requirements to enroll in college-credit courses or seek volunteer
opportunities, among other endeavors, for both personal and intellectual
growth.

Many schools throughout the state already subscribe to the basic tenets
of the senior-year option program. The 12th Grade Option Pilot
Project, in addition to setting the necessary framework for schools across
the state, also helps bridge the gap between programs already in use in
districts and programs that can be developed by districts in the future.

Examples of successful senior-year programs shared through the pilot
program include, but are not limited to:

A "Senior Studies" program at Newton High School, Sussex
County. There, seniors are encouraged to participate in four areas
 coursework through Sussex County Community College, a structured
work program through school, a senior colloquium and a careers instruction
program that helps students learn about various careers;

"Target: Teach Parsippany" in Morris County. Seniors interested
in the teaching profession participate in a mentoring program and
take after-school evening sessions on various teaching initiatives.
Students are also able to work with teachers in the classroom at each
of the three grade levels: elementary, middle and high school; and

Various programs at Phillipsburg High School, Warren County. Seniors
are encouraged to enroll in programs at Warren County Community College
and participate in a structured work experience. Other options include
an internship at Lafayette College for serious art students, a dual
college and high school enrollment program conducted at the high school
and an allied health certificate program.

Other examples of the types of opportunities for students who have successfully
completed their high school graduation requirements and passed the High
School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA) include:

Traditional programs as approved locally by district boards of education;

Option B group or individual programs designed to meet group or
individual needs. Such programs are certified by the principal and
filed in the district. The projects are interdisciplinary, theme-based
or individual studies. They are subject to review by the Commissioner;

Service-learning projects offered as field-based, preferably through
community partnerships, with close supervision and under the guidance
of a school principal or designee from the community organization;

Work-based internships or apprenticeships;

Advanced placement programs; and

College courses offered both on-site or off-site through agreements
with two- or four-year colleges;

Schools involved in the pilot project are coordinated by the DOE regional
offices. All 21 counties are represented by schools for the senior-year
options program. Each school is encouraged to share best practices with
both the regional offices and each other. The regional offices have helped
facilitate the program through a series of meetings prior to todays
event. They will continue to hold meetings in the future.

For more information, please contact the Department of Education Public
Information Office at (609) 292-1126.